Q: My computer requires a password when waking from sleep or from the screen saver

Some computers are configured to ask for a password when waking from sleep/hibernate and/or the screen saver. As annoying as this is, there is a quick fix!

Windows XP

Right click on the Desktop and Select “Properties”

Click the “Screen Saver” tab along the top of the “Display Properties” Dialog window

If “On resume, display logon screen,” is checked – uncheck it

Now click the button labeled “Power…”, this will open the “Power Options Properties” dialog

Click the tab “Advance”

If “Prompt for password when computer resumes from standby,” is checked – uncheck it

Click “OK” on the “Power Options Properties” dialog and “Display Properties” dialog. Now your computer should no longer require a password after waking from sleep/hibernate and/or the screen saver.

Windows Vista/7

Right click on the Desktop and Select “Personalize”

The Personalization window will open, click screen saver (third from the top)

The “Screen Saver Settings” dialog will appear

If “On resume, display logon screen,” is checked – uncheck it

Under the “Power management” section of the “Screen Saver Settings”, click “Change power settings…” this will open the “Power Options”

On the “Power Options” window, click “Require a password on wakeup” on the left task panel

Click the radio button next to “Don’t require a password” and click “Save Changes”

Then Close the “Power Options” window via the “X” in the right top corner. Then click “OK” on the “Screen Saver Settings” dialog. Then close the Personalization window via the “X” in the right top corner. Now your computer should no longer require a password after waking from sleep/hibernate and/or the screen saver.

Last updated on July 2011

Comments

I’m using Windows 7; recently the screensaver started requiring a password, even when told not to (the “Require password” box is not checked). The only way to prevent it is to check “Require password”, press “Apply”, then uncheck it and press “Apply” again. This works — but only once; when it wakes up the second time, it requires password again.

I have installed a new screensaver lately, but this happens on all of them. Did anyone encounter this problem or know what to do about it?